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Revealed: Designs for Dubai Metro extension Route 2020

The first images have been released for the planned extension of Dubai Metro extension to the Expo 2020 site near Al Maktoum International Airport.

The 14.5km-long Route 2020 – an extension of Dubai Metro’s Red Line – will have five elevated stations, based on the design of existing metro stations, but with additional elements inspired by aircraft wings.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, told Gulf News: “Since the invention of an airplane brought an epoch-making change to human civilization, in terms of the way people moved and communicated, we thought it will be apt to have the station designs inspired by the design of an aircraft.”

Under the plans, the route will branch out from Nakheel Harbour and Tower station to the Expo 2020 site near Al Maktoum International Airport. On this section, 10.5km will be elevated, while 4km will underground, including two underground stations.

The Expo 2020 station will have its own, unique design, Al Tayer told Gulf News, including huge, futuristic ‘wings’ that will overlook the Expo site itself.

“The expo station has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the visitors to the Expo 2020 as well as future footfall,” he was quoted as saying.

“The design is at the same time modern and monumental, complementing the futuristic image of Dubai.”

Meanwhile, the Nakheel Harbour and Tower station will be redesigned, Al Tayer added. “The Nakheel Harbour and Tower station will be modified and redeveloped to accommodate the Route 2020 along with the existing Red Line.

“The station will be expanded to have additional space, keeping in mind future demands and increasing number of commuters.

It is understood the station will continue to operate while it is redeveloped.

Route 2020 will pass through several residential and commercial areas on its way to the Dubai 2020 site, including Discovery Gardens, Dubai Investment Park, Al Furjan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, serving an estimated 240,000 people.

Tenders are expected to be awarded by end of January and construction to begin in the first quarter of 2016 next year. The project is expected to complete by 2018.